LANSING – Do you know what biodegradable plastics, clothing, bedding, and packing material all have in common? They can all be made from corn and were started as research projects funded through Michigan’s corn check-off, the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan.

Research is an integral part of the CMPM. State farmer dollars invested in corn research have already resulted in the development of corn-based products such as ethanol, carpeting, fabrics, and plastics that replace petroleum-based products. In addition to replacing petroleum-based products, corn can be developed into pharmaceuticals and salt substitutes thanks to the check-off funded research.

Research requests for proposals are distributed to parties interested in advancing Michigan’s corn industry through new and improved markets or through innovative production practices. In addition to funding research through organizations, the CMPM partners with other corn growing states to fund large-scale national projects too large for an individual state to fund.

The CMPM works hand-in-hand with the Michigan Corn Growers Association to serve the corn farmers throughout the state.

“Although the CMPM and the MCGA are two distinctly different organizations, we work together to define the research needs of Michigan’s corn industry,” said Jody Pollok-Newsom, CMPM and MCGA executive director. “By handling research this way we get a thorough statewide outlook since both boards have representatives from across the Great Lakes State.”

The CMPM and MCGA focus on two areas when evaluating research proposals:

The development of processes adding value to Michigan corn through new markets or advancements in traditional markets, such as the livestock industry.

Innovative production techniques and environmentally-sound practices that enhance productivity.

“We focus on projects that will increase corn markets and potentially increase the profitability of Michigan corn farmers,” said Clark Gerstacker, CMPM president and corn farmer from Midland. “The next big breakthrough could very well come from the CMPM research completed this year.”

The preliminary proposals will be due to the CMPM on November 13, 2009. The projects that will be funded will be announced in early February.

For additional information on the research RFP, click on MICorn.Org

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